Positive work at Hindley YOI offset by safety concerns

A report by the Prisons Inspectorate has found that the quality of education at Hindley YOI in Wigan was good, with standards of behaviour that were “better than some schools” and young people successfully obtaining qualifications.

The arrangements for a young person’s first few days in custody were deemed “particularly good”, and work to prepare young people for release was “better than inspectors normally see”.

However, inspectors did raise concerns over the safety of young people at Hindley despite the fact the establishment, which can hold up to 440 boys aged 15 to 18, was only a third full at the time of inspection.

Inspectors reported that on average there was a fight or assault almost every day, and use of force was very high, although much did not involve full control and restraint.

The watchdog also found “persistent, consistent and credible” complaints about the abusive behaviour of a small number of officers at the establishment.

“In our discussion groups, a significant number of young people said that a small number of staff were disrespectful and made abusive personal remarks about them and their families,” the inspection report stated.

“The governor had taken robust action when inappropriate conduct by staff had been identified.”

The report also said investigations into some alleged bullying incidents were not sufficiently rigorous.

Although Hindley had taken early action after the suicide of 17-year-old Jake Hardy in January 2012, the YOI was told it needed to “sustain the drive to learn and implement lessons”.

Inspectors said that while individual incidents of self-harm were dealt with well, there needed to be more strategic oversight to identify the links between bullying and self-harm.

Nick Hardwick, chief inspector of prisons, said: “Even only one-third full, and despite very good work, HMYOI Hindley illustrates the difficulty such establishments have in discharging their more fundamental responsibility – keeping the young people they hold safe.

“There has been a suggestion that as the number of young people in custody declines, those who continue to be held will be a more concentrated mix of the most challenging and unhappy young people.

"Other recent inspections of YOIs have also identified establishments having much greater difficulty in keeping young people safe.

"The Youth Justice Board, ministers and other policymakers should consider this very carefully as they plan the future development of the youth custody estate.”

Ray Hill, deputy chief executive of the YJB and head of secure accommodation, said: "Hindley accommodates some of the most troubled and complex young people and so the reports findings regarding areas of good practice, particularly around the good quality of education and the work to prepare young people for release, is particularly encouraging.

"The report also recognises some important areas that require improvement.

"The safety of young people is of paramount importance to the YJB and we will work with the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) to review performance regarding the behaviour management challenges such YOIs experience."